Monthly Newsletter

As we turn the page on a new year and step into Q1, there’s a fresh sense of energy and momentum across our HR community. The beginning of the year is a time for new ideas, renewed focus, and looking ahead to what’s possible—while still carrying forward the connections and lessons that brought us here.

CRHRA is kicking off the year with exciting opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together. In this edition, we’re recapping recent events, highlighting what’s coming up, and sharing ways to stay engaged as we build another meaningful year as an HR community. Whether you’re joining us at an upcoming event, reflecting on a recent program, or planning your year ahead, we’re glad you’re here and part of what makes CRHRA thrive.

As always, we want to hear from you! If there's a topic, resource, or idea you'd love to see covered in 2026, drop us a note in our Suggestion Box. 

What we’re covering this issue:

Upcoming Events 

Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Brand YOU: Branding through Moments of Truth (Webinar)

CRHRA is excited to partner with the Capital Region Association for Talent Development (CRATD) for an upcoming FREE lunchtime webinar focused on personal branding and professional presence. Presented by Dave Layman of Integra HR, this interactive workshop will explore how HR professionals can intentionally build and “market” their personal brand in a way that aligns with their goals, values, and authentic selves.

Participants will learn practical strategies to build credibility, strengthen trust, and more effectively communicate their value—both in their current roles and as they plan for future growth.

Sign up today!

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Tuesday, February 24th, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM: New York SHRM's 2026 New York State Advocacy Day. 

This engaging half-day event brings together HR professionals to connect with lawmakers and influence the workplace policies that matter most. Click here for more information and to register!

Questions? Reach out to Jeff Hall, Government Affairs Chair

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March 2026 - Spring SHRM Study Group opening soon! Virtually in March on Mondays from 5-7PM. 

Stay tuned for more information or connect with Jenn Skellie, CRHRA Certification Chair.

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Save the Date! - Thursday, May 21st - CRHRA & Capital Region ATD May HR Conference at the Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel in Latham, NY

This year’s theme, Director’s Cut – Crafting a Blockbuster Workforce, is all about elevating the people side of business. We’re looking for speakers who can bring fresh thinking, real-world experience, and inspiring ideas to help today’s leaders build workplaces where people and organizations thrive.

Interested in being a speaker at this year’s conference? From now until February 6th, submit your proposals!

Interested in sponsorship? Visit the 2026 Annual Conference website for more information!

Event Recap

January 14, 2026 - Voices of HR Leadership: Insights from HR Executives & CRHRA HR Leadership Graduation

CRHRA kicked off the year with an engaging and insightful panel discussion featuring some of the Capital Region’s most accomplished HR executives. Moderated by Melissa Feck, the panel brought together Alisa Hobb, Kathleen Caggiano-Siino, Jennifer Pickering, Sandy Castilla, and Susan Hollister for a candid conversation on what it truly takes to lead in human resources.

Panelists shared lessons from their career journeys, offering practical perspectives on navigating challenges, influencing organizational culture, and leading meaningful transformation in today’s evolving workplace. The discussion emphasized resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of authentic leadership—insights that resonated strongly with HR professionals at all stages of their careers.

The evening also marked a special milestone as CRHRA celebrated the graduation of the newest HR Leadership Program class, recognizing emerging leaders and reaffirming CRHRA’s commitment to developing and supporting a strong, connected HR community. We extend a sincere thank you to our January sponsor, Marshall & Sterling, for their generous support in making this event possible, and we also pause to honor and remember the contributions of our late colleague and friend, Aileen Flach.

It's our birthday! - CRHRA turns 80!

Did you know that CRHRA was founded in 1946 by a small group of professionals under the name Capital District Personnel Association? Over the past 80 years, we have grown into a thriving community of more than 600 members. Thank you for being part of CRHRA. We are so glad you have joined us, and we look forward to continuing to deliver diverse programming, meaningful education, and inspiration for HR professionals across the Capital Region and beyond for many years to come.

Article of the month

CRHRA’s President shares reflections from our recent HR Leadership Program graduation and offering timely thoughts on adaptability, legislative change, and what HR professionals are navigating as we move into 2026. From emerging policy considerations to the importance of community and self-investment, this piece highlights how HR leaders can stay grounded and connected in an increasingly complex environment.

Check out Rebecca’s Reflections - January 2026

CRHRA Storefront

Did you know that we have a CRHRA store?

HR education calendar 

Check out the community HR education calendar on the CRHRA website! Here you'll find events not hosted by CRHRA but that might be of interest to our community of HR professionals. 

VolunteerS always welcome

Interested in helping on a project or committee? Wonder what being a Volunteer Leader is all about? Reach out to us today.  Email us at [email protected]

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